Even if the trip does not demand special physical conditions to do it, it is recommended to be in good shape. Walking the Way is not an activity that we are used to, since we don´t walk dozens of kilometres in our daily routine. This is an activity that can bring bad consequences if we do not carry out a previous preparation for at least six weeks. During this time we have to follow a training plan, that goes from a low to a higher intensity level.

Some people ask if it can be done at any age, and the answer is yes. Of course, doing the physical preparation just mentioned.

On the other hand it is important to bear in mind that we should adapt our route, stages and breaks to our physical and mental condition. A very positive aspect of the Camino is that there are infinite ways of doing it, and that we will always find one adapted to us.

That is why there are people who plan stages with several days of rest between each, and others who do it during twenty days without stopping. There are people who plan 15 kilometre routes and others who plan routes of 30. Likewise, there are people who only need a six hours rest to sleep and are fine in a sleeping bag in a hostel, and others who prefer to stay in any hostel or hotel with more comfort.

The most important thing is to remember that we do not have to afford aims we aren’t prepared for. There is no hurry and Santiago de Compostela will always receive us.

So remember, there is a Way for everybody. Do you already know which one is yours?

First of all, we have to decide how we are going to do it: on foot, on horseback, by bicycle… Usually pilgrims choose to do it on foot, because it does not require as much physical preparation as doing it by bicycle. And doing it on horseback makes us care not only about our maintenance but also on the animals’.That’s the reason why walking is the easiest way for most.

Once we decide how we are going to do it, we must make another decision regarding which route we are going to choose. It’s important to look for information about the  routes available and their difficulty level.

Another important thing to keep in mind is to know the time available. Based on this we should decide the number of stages and days we want to invest, without getting too tired. The minimum required to get to Santiago are 100 kilometres, whether we do it walking or riding, and 200 kilometres if we choose to do it by bicycle.

It is also important to decide what season of the year we want to start. Depending on it we will need to pick specific clothes and belongings.

You must also request the pilgrim credential at the starting point, as well as seal it when beginning the route. On each stops of the Way, this document must be sealed. Only having this credential you are allowed to enter in public shelters and, moreover, it is the only document that accredits the arrival to Santiago and the distance you have done. It is the only way to receive your Compostela at end of the journey.

We must also have in mind our age and our physical condition. Not only a medical review is needed before starting, but also to be informed about points of assistance in case we would need them.

Finally, it’s important to be well informed before starting. Join internet, where you will find lots of tricks and tips. Also Brotherhoods and Associations of pilgrims can help us resolving our doubts and advise us when facing the Way.

Once our trip is planned, we are ready to start the adventure.

See you on the Way!

First of all, we must be prepared physical and mentally, because the Way implies a challenge and we are not always used to walk a lot of kilometres in consecutive days. It is not about doing a lot of sport the previous week; it is about train constantly during the previous six or eight weeks to get out body and our mind used to the wear that walking continually implies. Moreover, it is recommendable to start the training with the shoes that we are going to use for the trip and, at least on the previous week, do the same with the backpack that we will to carry to get used to the weight.

It is also important to plan when we want to do the Way. Most of the pilgrims think that spring and early autumn are the best seasons, because in summer the weather conditions can overwhelm us and in winter some hostels close their doors.

In respect of the adequate shoes to walk, most common is to use trekking boots, which insolate cold and hold firmly our ankles, and if we travel in the hottest months, it is recommendable to use sneakers, because they avoid the heat in our feet. We also should use seamless socks and made with fibre, and never use cotton socks, because they get wet easily and can produce blisters.

Another important thing is our backpack, which should not exceed 10% of our weight. We also should carry indispensable things only, and the backpack should have holding points to our waist and not only carry the weight over our shoulders.

The next step is to plan the stages of the St. James Way according to our rhythm and decide how many stages we want to do and how many kilometres we want to walk. It is important to adapt the distance of every stage to our physical conditions. A good idea is to start the Way doing short distances and make increases to reach an average of 20 or 25 kilometres per day. And if we feel bad or with physical disturbances, the best choice is to have a break or devote a whole day to our recovery in order to avoid injuries.

At last, it is recommendable to look for information about hostels, camping and hotels of the Way. In the hostels it will be required do show our pilgrim credential to stay overnight and it is usually not allow to book a room previously, and it is because of this that we should try to be informed about different options to sleep.

Doing St. James Way is a great experience, not only because of reaching Santiago, but also because of the travel, so every advice will help us and will make our trip unforgettable.

First of all, it is recommended to have a backpack with waist belt. And it is also convenient to have one with adjustable shoulder straps and quick access departments for water, for example. Our backpack has to be comfortable and light. And we never should forget to carry a raincoat for it too.

Once we have the backpack, is time to put things in it.

The most important thing is the sleeping bag. You should always carry one with you, except in the case of staying overnight in a hotel, and it has to be light. It is also recommended to use one made of fibre, able to insulate temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees.

And what else:

• Water bottle.
• Two or three underwear clothes and a pair of lightweight trousers and sweatshirts. It is also important to have a raincoat adapted to each season.
• Three or four pairs of socks.
• Sandals to walk at the end of each journey.
• A cap or a hat to protect our forehead and our neck of the sun.
• A microfiber towel. These kind of towels are quick drying and light.
• Toothbrush, toothpaste and soap for our body and to wash our clothes.
• A small first-aid-kit.
• Sunscreen.
• Creams to prevent chafing and blister formation.
• NID, health card, credit card and the pilgrim credential.
• Our clothes also have to be adjusted to the season we want to do the Way, using wool caps and gloves in the coldest months.

Once we have the backpack filled with all these things, you should try and test it the days before leaving. If we notice that we have too much weight, we should shorten the list of priorities and take out some things. At this point, we have to remember that we are not going to cross the desert, and there are possibilities along the way to buy things we should need in different shops and pharmacies.

So… it’s time to travel!